Western Suburbs captain Ryan Walker is awaiting more scans next week to confirm the extent of his injury but preliminary assessments have revealed three major fractures and a few minor ones nearby following a head clash early in Saturday's loss to Souths at Harker Oval.
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The Rosellas playmaker said the pain was starting to subside on Wednesday and he may avoid surgery to repair damage to his nose, cheek and sinus wall.
"Still a bit sore but starting to settle a bit today," the 2017 Newcastle Rugby League player of the year said.
"As I understand it, I have one major fracture in my nose, one in my cheek and one in my sinus wall. Apparently there's a few very minor fractures around the main ones.
"The doctor didn't seem to think I will need surgery but I will wait until the swelling dies down and I see the specialist."
Walker, who was named man-of-the-match in last year's Newcastle RL grand final, said a return to the field in 2020 would be unlikely.
"I wouldn't think so," the 34-year-old said.
"Without surgery I'd imagine four-to-six weeks recovery. Just depends how I recover I suppose. Might be smart to sit the rest of this season out."
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